With over 55,000 people joining network marketing opportunities each week, the heat has turned up on this business' sex appeal. It may have something to do with a recent article in 'The Sun-Herald' which indicated 88% of people are dissatisfied with their job and are now open to looking for another way.

"When I was first approached about a network marketing opportunity I thought, 'Why are they asking me to look at this? I'm a proper business person, not into schemes."

Belinda Jovanovic was a sought after corporate marketer with a six-figure salary and five-figure consulting fees. "It was only after I became dissatisfied with my corporate role that I was more open minded to look outside my comfort zone. When I evaluated network marketing like I would any other opportunity I was at first sceptical and then amazed at how lucrative this business model was."

This industry appeals to all types of people looking for life changes. "I'm too busy running my businesses. I don't have time to do anything else." Ivana Katz was the owner of two companies; a record store and women's clothing on-line business. Most weeks she worked 60+ hours. After having a baby she decided she didn't want to spend the rest of her life working for her vendors, her staff and the government. "I wanted to see my son take his first steps. I wanted to spend each day at the park and I wanted to earn enough so that I could live comfortably".

These 30somethings have now found a business that supports, not runs, their lifestyle. And what surprised them was how simple the business was compared to other ventures they'd experienced. Ivana acknowledges, "In the beginning I tried to make my network marketing business harder than it was. I had a belief that work or business wasn't meant to be easy. I realised that once I followed the proven, duplicatable system I was trained on I just needed to implement it, simple. It was also enjoyable working in a team. I was no longer stressed like I was when I was working in my other companies. I realise now, I want my son to see me have fun, not overworked and stressed, desperately grabbing time to spend with him."

Apart from the more relaxed lifestyle her new business affords her, Belinda enjoyed meeting and working with a variety of people she may not be exposed to in her corporate life. Their enthusiasm towards building a life they dreamed of was inspiring. "I personally like the diversity of people in my business. There are pilots, corporate high flyers, mums, health professionals, educators, business owners and students.

The best thing is I chose who I want to work with and we really work as a team, it's simple; if we don't grow our business doesn't grow. I could only imagine asking a colleague in my corporate life, 'Would you mind doing a presentation for me as I'm working on something else right now?' They'd tell me they had enough to do without my work adding to their burden. In my business we jump at the chance to help each other as we have a vested interest in each other's success. We're helping others while helping ourselves. People in my team have an enthusiasm for life and personal growth which I found devoid in my other jobs which were tainted with office politics and job dissatisfaction."

Both Belinda and Ivana are thankful that they didn't let their opinions of network marketing stop them from doing due diligence and exploring the facts. "We both had negative, preconceived ideas," acknowledged Belinda. "Network marketing has been around for over 50 years and I had opinions that may have been true decades a go. But like all industries, things change."

Ivana agrees, "I was surprised how professional the company I joined was. Their marketing material was outstanding, training inspirational and products without equal in the marketplace. They were also very business savvy taking advantages of key trends and building the company over the past 11 years. It was voted best network marketing company 6 years in a row, amazing because no other company had ever been voted #1 twice in a row, let alone six. It was also a publicly traded company and considered a top stock pick."

Belinda is grateful and excited about her business, "I'm fortunate to have found this opportunity, because I don't know what else I'd do. I honestly believe I'd be unhappy going from one job to the next. I'm glad I took the time to get my facts straight!"

Industry Facts and FAQs

Facts about the direct selling industry in Australia:

• There are over 750,000 Australians receiving either part-time or full-time income 

• Network marketing is over 50 years old

• The business model is used in 125 countries

• Internationally the marketing industry generate over US$120 billion in retail sales annually

• Approximately 40 million Associates worldwide

• An estimated 55,000 people join network marketing each week

• 'Entrepreneur Magazine' rated network marketing as one of the '100 Best Businesses to Start'

• Australian retail sales equate to AUS $1.2 billion
(Source - John Fulton, Executive Director, Direct Selling Association of Australia - May 2003).

Q) Can network marketing be done successfully part-time?

A) Absolutely, it's very common in fact. You can start your network marketing business on a part-time basis without giving up your current source of income until your network marketing business is generating the income you require. And the best part is that you can continue to operate indefinitely on a part-time basis.

Q) Do I have to sell products door-to-door or hold parties or meetings?

A) No. One of the greatest features of network marketing is that success can be achieved using a wide variety of methods. You choose the methods that YOU are comfortable with; whether that means direct mail, distributing catalogues, telemarketing, meetings, one-on-one, in-home parties, via fundraises, commercial accounts, and so on.

Q) Isn't network marketing one of those pyramid schemes?

A) Definitely not. In pyramid schemes, income is generated solely on the process of recruiting others into the pyramid. Sometimes a product or service of questionable value is involved (that is never retailed to the general public), but generally what you're buying is the right to recruit others into the scheme. This is illegal.

Also, in pyramid schemes, those who get in first and who are at the top win, while everybody else loses. In a legitimate network marketing company, on the other hand, distributors are paid only on product movement; not on recruiting. Both at wholesale and retail. There's also compensation based on the training and managing of your marketing team. And unlike illegal pyramids, in network marketing, no matter where you're positioned or when you join, you can advance to the very highest income levels and even make more money than those above you in the network.

Q) I'm not a salesperson, so this probably isn't for me.

A) Actually, studies have shown that people with no sales experience do great in network marketing. In fact, the studies show that they often do better than those with previous sales experience. This is because network marketing isn't about selling; at least not in the way most people think of selling. There's no place for arm-twisting or high-pressure techniques in network marketing. Rather, network marketing is simply about sharing the concepts and products of your network marketing company that you use and you're excited about and finding others who are seeking financial and time freedom. This industry focuses on teaching and coaching a duplicatable system.

Q) How much money can I make?

A) The bottom line is you'll get out of it what you put into it. It works, if you do. But that's the beauty of it, too; you are in control; it's up to you how far you take it. And don't forget, the income you create in network marketing is residual. This basically means that for the work you do just today, you have the potential to earn money not only for today but for years to come.

Q) Isn't network marketing just another "get-rich-quick" scheme?

A) No, "get-rich-quick" is a fairy tale. It just doesn't happen in the real world. Sure, there are a few exceptions, but they're extremely rare. In fact, if overnight riches is your dream, your odds are probably better playing your State lottery than doing it in business - any business.

Q) If network marketing is so great, why aren't more people involved?

A) That can be summed up in one word: misconceptions. Some just doesn't understand what network marketing is or its potential. But that's finally starting to change, with over 55,000 people joining network marketing each week (world wide), there are a lot recognising the business model as a vehicle to change their lives.

Q) I've tried network marketing before and it didn't work for me.

A) Let's say you've just moved to a new city and you decided to go out to eat that evening. Unfortunately, the food at the restaurant you picked turned out to be horrible. But just because of this one bad experience, you surely wouldn't swear off eating at all the other restaurants in the city, would you? Of course not! Network marketing is no different. There are fair network marketing companies, great network marketing companies, and, yes, even some bad network marketing companies. But network marketing works! You just need to link up with the right company.

Q) I don't have the cash right now to get involved in network marketing.

A) Get it! If a brand new $60,000 Mercedes were offered to you for $100, would you find the money to somehow buy it? Go and get the money because your own network marketing business could be worth a lot more than that Mercedes.

Q) I can see how others have become successful, but I don't think I could do it.

A) People of every age, every background, from every walk of life are making it in network marketing today. If you have the desire and believe you are worthy of a prosperous life, you can succeed in network marketing.

Q) I just don't have the time to start a network marketing business. I've got too many irons in the fire already.

A) That's precisely why you should consider network marketing opportunities. Besides creating financial freedom, network marketing is specifically designed to create personal freedom for you so that you can do all the things in life you really want to do that you don't have the time for now.

Contact Your Right to Riches for your FREE 'Network Marketing Special Report' by New York Times best-selling author Robert Allen. For more information: Email us at info@YourRightToRiches.com for your FREE 'Network Marketing Special Report'

Call (02) 9362 8968 for more information or if you would like us to fax you a copy of the report. You can also visit our website at www.YourRightToRiches.com

This article has been published in Australian Business & Money Making Opportunities magazine.

Recent search terms:

• sales networking
• opportunities in australia

Network Marketing Success requires dedication and motivation

Is Network Marketing For You? A great question for those considering a work from home business.

Seriously folks, is this business for everyone?
Of course not!

If you are happy with your job.
If you are happy with your salary.
If you are happy with your business.
If you are happy with the hours you work.
If you are happy with your house or flat.
If you have money for travel, and time for your kids.
If you don't want anything more than what you already have.
Then this business is not for you.

But if you aren't where you want to be, if you don't have what you would like to have.

If you can't spend as much time with your kids as you would like.
If you have some sort of discontent with your lot in life.
Then this business can help you.

But maybe you are too busy.
Maybe you have too much to do.
Maybe you have other interests.
Maybe you are too old.
Maybe you are too young.
Maybe, maybe, maybe…

The Network Marketing business model is designed for the busy, the broke, the professional, the novice, the young, the old, the housewife, the executive, the…

Hey, Network Marketing is the equaliser, the chance for anyone and everyone to make it all the way to the top.

But sadly, it is not for everyone.
Sadly, most people just don't see it, because…
They are blinded by that disease called jobism.
They buy into the 45 year plan, which means they work for 45 years and retire broke.
Ah, but you do see it.
And you want to start.
I can help you find the right company…

The Structure Of A Network Marketing Company

When searching for a Network Marketing opportunity, it is generally considered that you examine three things - the company, the product and the compensation plan

The company

• The company, and especially the founders, should have a track record of success in Network Marketing
• The company should have a strong financial base
• The company should have been in the business long enough to outgrow the dreaded start-up phase, during which 90% of all MLM companies go under.

There are two lines of thought here.

1. The company should be financially secure

2. The opportunity should be "ground floor"

Ideally you should have both, but of course it is not always possible. Ground floor opportunities are rarely financially secure, while companies that have become financially secure, are no longer ground floor opportunities

But sometimes you can swing it.
If you find a well established company that has just brought out a brand new, winning product, you can have both financial strength and a new burst of momentum.

Likewise if the company enters a new country, the momentum can start all over again.

But the winning move, if you can find it, is the start-up company that partners with a billion dollar giant, thus achieving both financial stability and start-up momentum. One company in fact did just that and is now breaking all records.

The Network Marketing Product.

From the point of view of Network Marketing, not all products are equal. The ideal product should be what is called consumable. That is, one that is consumed regularly and often. It is this sort of product that gives regular and lasting residual income. One company I know of markets some excellent exercise equipment on a Network Marketing basis. Unfortunately the equipment is so excellent that it lasts forever (I know, I use it) and so there are no frequent repeat sales and hence little residual income. I happen to know that the company is struggling.

Nutritional products, skin care products, household products and telephone services on the other hand are excellent because they are used almost on a daily basis. Not surprisingly, the overwhelming majority of Network Marketing companies market these products.

Other features to look for: the product should be of high quality, something you feel good about using yourself and recommending to others. It should be unique, or at least presented in a way that sets it apart, and of course it should offer good value for money.

Bottom line: you should genuinely love your product. How can you expect others to like it, if you don't.

The Compensation Plan

Some people base their choice on compensation plans.
This is unfortunate because Network Marketing compensation plans are invariably complicated and difficult to understand, and unless you have experience, you can go seriously astray.

Furthermore a good comp plan is only a part of it. Far better to look for a product that sells like crazy. What good is an 80% payout on a product that doesn't sell. Far better a 40% payout on something that sells in leaps and bounds.

You should also factor in good distributor support and great presentation tools into the decision making process.

Is Network Marketing Pyramid Selling?

It's pyramid selling if...Distributor A buys a garage full of plastic Skippys and sells them to distributor B below him, who in turn sells them to distributor C who then sells them to distributor D, and so on down the line until we get to the last distributor who now ends up with a garage full of Skippys.

It is not the pyramid structure itself that is at fault, it's that there are no customers; the product is merely shuffled between distributors.

And anyway, all business systems are based on the pyramid, and that includes the army, government and even the Church. The Pope, the CEO, the Commanding Officer are at the top; high ranking generals, bishops and executives come next, followed by even more of the lower ranking staff. Then come the great majority of foot soldiers, priests and nuns, and factory workers that make up the base of the pyramid.

Strangely enough, while Network Marketing is branded with the term "pyramid", it is the only structure that isn't a pyramid; it is diamond shaped. There are a few at the very top who make obscene amounts of money and there are a few at the bottom who make hardly anything at all. The majority cluster around the centre.

Leverage

Big Al said it all so well. He said the industry served him well and, truth be told, he got a lot more out of it than he put into it. Network Marketing is perhaps the only way the average person can leverage their efforts. And spectacularly so. And Network Marketing offers that other spectacular feature…

Exponential Growth

Let's say someone were to offer you a choice between $100,000 or a single magic cent (a magic cent is one that doubles every day for 31 days). Which would you choose?

If you double a cent every day, then at the end of the first week you would have 64 cents; at the end of the second week you would have $81.92. So far, not very exciting. But at the end of the third week you would have more than $10,000 and a the end of 31 days you will have in excess of ten million dollars. And that is how a Network Market organisation grows, just by progressively doubling, or duplicating, itself.
Crazy, hey?
Indeed that is what it is called, crazy money.
And then there is…

Coconut Money

It is also called residual income. It is money that flows into your bank account, while you are on the beach, sipping juice from a coconut.

Does Network Marketing Require Selling?

If you believe the hype, then the answer is an overwhelming no. No selling is required.
And, it is true.

I have been a salesman all my life, and my biggest problem is to stop selling. It just doesn't work. You will sign up a lot of people, for sure, but they will be the wrong people and your organisation will not grow.

So, no selling please, but…
Be sensible about it. Everything requires some selling. Getting a date, getting a job, getting your children to do their homework, getting the best deal on a house or car and so on. So put your best foot forward, present the facts in an interesting and persuasive way, and then stand back. Your job is done.

Income Potential

People sometimes ask me if the Money Tree ever stops growing.
The answer is…no.
Where else can you find an opportunity that?
No more need be said on this matter.

So when you look at the industry, it scrubs up nicely.
But what about you?
Are YOU right for NM?

A survey of 2000 people showed almost identical results in America, England, Canada and Australia. The top ten characteristics for networkers are listed below. Of interest is that the ideal networking traits are not those normally associated with aggressive selling, or any sort of aggressive behaviour, for that matter. The traits, in order of importance, were found to be:

• Following up on referrals
• Positive attitude
• Enthusiasm
• Trustworthiness
• Good listening skills
• Always networking
• Showing appreciation
• Enjoying helping people
• Sincerity
• Working the network

Many of these traits may be considered to be "feminine" - which is not surprising, as women do particularly well at networking. Indeed in the bestselling book, Masters of Network Marketing, which contains over 80 articles on networking, fully one half of those articles were written by women. Contrast this with the books written on selling…they are nearly all written by men.

So how do you shape up?
Do you have all these traits?
Some of them?
None of them?
None? Well then, can you make it in NM?

Yes, you can still make it and make it big…and here we touch on the magic of Network Marketing.

All you have got to do is hang in there. We want you for two years. During that time the magic will happen. You pass out the literature, you tell people all about it the best way you can and sooner or later, even if you are no good, you will put the information under the nose of Tom Producer, who will explode on the scene, building lines all over the place…and you, no matter how inept you may be…you will get the benefit of all that Mr Tom Producer does. So what are you waiting for?

The Advantages Of Network Marketing

• You have your own business (it's a real business - you can sell it, will it, etc…)
• You can work part time
• Tax advantages
• Small initial investment
• Low overhead
• Immediate profits
• Flexible hours
• Brings family together
• Extra income
• Financial Independence
• Have more time for your family, or your favourite activities
• Self-development
• Help others
• Meeting new people
• Early retirement
• Teamwork. There is a genuine attempt to help each other and this leads to enduring friendships

Testimonials

Robert Kiyosaki and Donald Trump are both on record as saying that if they had to start all over again, they would do it through Network Marketing.

Warren Buffet, reported to be the world's greatest investor, presumably knows a thing or two about trends. Indeed he has now invested in three Network Marketing companies and says, it's the best investment I ever made".

The pre-eminent Network Marketing teacher, Randy Gage (How To Build a Multi-Level Money Machine) says the opportunity for personal growth sets Network Marketing apart, head and shoulders above any other business. He adds that the leadership skills you develop are a tremendous part of that personal growth

Milton Fogg (editor of The Network Marketing Magazine) was fascinated by the MLM concept: I'd worked for a lot of corporations as a marketing consultant, but I'd never seen any other business that allowed people to be paid a royalty income, commensurate with their efforts.

ex President, Bill Clinton, when addressing the Direct Selling Association (a Network Marketing group): You strengthen our country and our economy, not just by striving for your own success, but by offering opportunity to others…Your industry gives people a chance to make the most of their own lives and, to me, that's the heart of the American Dream.

Professor Charles King, professor of marketing at the University of Illinois, calls Network Marketers the New Professionals and has written a book about it because, as Paul Zane Pilzer predicts, that is where the New Wave of Millionaires will come from.

So you want to join up.
You want to become a New Professional.
One of the New Wave of Millionaires.
Can't say I blame you. Well, here's the deal…

Be wary (I'm sorry) of friends and family. They will tell you it can't be done, it won't work, it's pyramid selling, and so on and on. They mean well, but for the most part all they know about Network Marketing is what they heard secondhand.

If you want your car fixed don't go to well-meaning friends who have never worked on a car for advice. Go to the experts who have been doing it successfully for years. Likewise for Network Marketing. Seek the advice of experts. Don't let well-meaning (or are they really well-meaning?) acquaintances rob you of this chance. Then…

Commit absolutely for 1 year.
Commit to 7-10 hours a week.
Find a mentor.
Study .
Undertake some sort of self development program, and…
A life of riches (not just the monetary kind) is assured.

The Future

The trend today is away from meetings, which are now considered by some to be "old school". Instead of dragging unwilling prospects to meetings they haven't got time for and don't want to go to, the modern Networker simply "drives" them to an elaborate website that captures the excitement of a meeting, or hands them a CD they can hear while driving home, or plugs them into a phone presentation they can listen to in the comfort of their own home.

These tools have truly made Network Marketing a global enterprise. No longer is the Networker limited to those locals who can attend a meeting; instead, anyone, anywhere in the world who can access a website, or pick up the phone and listen to a conference call, now becomes a prospect. Furthermore, Instant Messaging now gives Networkers instant access to people all over the world instantly, thus opening up a whole new method of prospecting.

In short, Network Marketers have avidly embraced the high-tech tools at their disposal, thus raising the stakes considerably.

But the meeting is not dead. It brings to the table something the best CD or website cannot. The human touch. The best Networkers, I have found, embrace all tools, high-tech and high-touch.

In Conclusion

There may be a New Age in nutrition and related physical therapies. But there is also a New Age in Business. It's called Network Marketing. So join the New Wave, the New Professionals, the New Millionaires. There is no better time.

Andrew Toth is a writer and avid Network Marketer. Visit his website at www.amazingjuice.natureswellnesssecret.com or contact him at (02) 9698 3560

This article has been published in Australian Business & Money Making Opportunities magazine - Network Marketing Section.

Recent search terms:

• networking marketing
• NETWORKING BUSINESS
• business networking
• work from home
• networking people
• network business
• business network
• work network
• business network image
• home business success

There are so many Network Marketing opportunities today, hundreds of them and it seems every week more are started. At times it can even seem like we are being bombarded with them. How do we choose an opportunity? How do we know a good sound opportunity from a dubious or high risk one?

An old fashioned balance scale has a little indicator that shows which tray out balances the other. This indicator, in Latin, was called an examen, giving us our word 'examine'. To watch this indicator is to 'examine' and 'weigh in the balance'. The purpose of this brief overview is to clarify the three most important things that need to be examined when considering an opportunity. Each are extremely important - the Company, the Products and the Marketing Plan.

The Company

Statistics show that 92% of network marketing companies fail in their first year! 94% fail within 2 years and 99% fail within 5 years! That means only 1 out of 100 survive the 5 year test, that's a lot of fall-out. Unfortunately, this also means that the hopes, dreams and hard work of a lot of people are most often dashed. So often people who really need a break end up discouraged.

So our first consideration in choosing an opportunity, especially if it's new is, - will this company survive when so many fail? Is it sound? Is it built to last? Well, it is extremely hard to know, unless it has passed the test of time. Unless it has at least passed the five year test it certainly is a very big risk. But if it has been around that long, it's not new, it is certainly fairly well proven and sound, but the excitement and advantage of a 'ground floor opportunity' is long passed.

Even though this is the case, if the company is debt free and steadily growing, being part of a successful, growing company with vision is a great opportunity and it is certainly much less of a 'gamble'. The ideal would be the event of an established successful and growing company starting up in Australia and getting in early.

Another very important consideration in accessing a Company is the sometimes difficult task of evaluating the calibre of the people running the company. Are they people of integrity? Do they have a long term vision? Do they have the best interest of the distributors at heart? Are they people of good character? Are they experienced in the industry and professional in their management skills? These and other important questions can be very difficult to assess but an established company with a good track record that has been tried and tested can give us an indication of these important issues.

The Products

The long-term growth and success of a network marketing opportunity is greatly dependent on it being beginner friendly. One very important beginner friendly feature is providing in demand products at a fair price. The more attractive an opportunity is to the beginner, the more likely it is going to be a rewarding long-term winner for all involved.

The best products are the products that appeal to the average person, the average family. Products that don't have to be 'sold', products that preferably most people already need or want. The old adage of 'supply and demand' says it all. Obviously, they need to be consumable products with broad appeal. The right products at the right price. A broad range of products is better than a few 'specialty' products simply because we have a large and diverse market place with many perceived needs and wants.

The Marketing Plan

The compensation plan that is simple and designed for the beginner is essential for success and long term growth. A beginner friendly plan has low cost entry with a good percentage paid on the first 4 to 5 levels so that newcomers are encouraged with reachable rewards. Add to this a plan that also pays deep, ideally without 'breakaways' so that with time huge incomes are possible and you have a dynamic rewarding plan.

Making the Right Choice

You can spend months, even years of expectation and effort building a business that's not going anywhere because the Company, the Plan or the Products were not sound or were lacking in some way. Once you've carefully chosen the opportunity for you, what then?

Staying focused

The vast majority of high earners in Network Marketing have one thing in common, something that is just as important as what we have already discussed. They stayed focused and reaped the rewards. This is not a misguided focus spurred on by constant encouragement from meetings and upline, but a confident focus that comes from a carefully considered decision. Find the company with the products and the plan and then be loyal to a company that is loyal to you. Decide where you want to be in 12 months and stay focused.

Maintaining the Right Attitude

Many people rely on the company, or the product or the plan and others rely on their upline help, all of these are extremely important but every truly successful person knows the old saying well and has taken it to heart "if it's meant to be, it's up to me".

In the end the only person you can count on for your financial future is yourself, so make your number one goal be for you to regularly share the opportunity. Achievers persevere, that's not luck that's a decision, that's determination. Nothing can stop goals being achieved when the right plan is consistently acted upon.

For further information contact, John Knott, 99 Dawn Street, Greystanes, NSW 2145 or Phone (02) 9896 8717

This article has been published in Australian Business & Money Making Opportunities magazine.

Recent search terms:

• Multi-Level Marketing
• network marketing companies
• company network
• mlm companies
• network marketers achiever
• mlm opportunities
• network marketing companies list in usa
• we are the multi level marketing company